OneDrive File Issues

How to Completely Delete OneNote Notebooks, Files, and Backups

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 7, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to completely remove all OneNote notebooks, local files, and associated backups from both cloud and local storage.

How to Completely Delete OneNote Notebooks, Files, and Backups

Product: Microsoft OneNote / OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Clearing out old OneNote data to free up storage space, protect privacy, or completely reset the application state.
Observed behavior: Simply resetting or uninstalling the OneNote app does not automatically delete cloud-stored notebooks in OneDrive/SharePoint or local cached files.

Before you start

Verify that you have exported or backed up any important notes before proceeding, as deleting notebooks from OneDrive and local storage is permanent once the recycle bins are emptied.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete Cloud Notebooks from OneDrive or SharePoint

Because modern OneNote automatically syncs to the cloud, you must delete the actual notebook files directly from your OneDrive or SharePoint account.

Resetting the OneNote app only clears the local cache. To permanently remove a synced notebook, you must access the cloud storage location where the notebook resides.

Sign in to OneDrive

Open your web browser, navigate to OneDrive or SharePoint online, and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your OneNote notebooks.

Locate the Notebook

Navigate to your 'Documents' folder or the specific folder where your OneNote notebooks are stored. Notebooks will appear with a purple OneNote icon.

Delete the File

Right-click the notebook file you want to remove and select 'Delete' from the context menu.

Empty the Recycle Bin

To free up space immediately, go to the OneDrive 'Recycle bin' on the left sidebar, select the deleted notebook, and click 'Empty recycle bin'.

Delete Cloud Notebooks from OneDrive or SharePoint

Solution 2

Remove Local Notebooks and Cached Backups

If you use OneNote 2016 or have saved notebooks offline, you need to manually delete the local files and backup folders from your computer's hard drive.

Solution 3

Sign Out and Clear OneNote Activation Data

If you are transferring your device or troubleshooting account issues, you should sign out of OneNote and clear residual Office activation states.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my notebooks still exist after I uninstall OneNote?

Uninstalling the OneNote application only removes the software from your device. Your actual notebooks are stored separately in your OneDrive cloud account or local Documents folder to prevent accidental data loss. You must delete the files manually.

Can I recover a OneNote notebook if I accidentally deleted it?

Yes, if the notebook was stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, it will be moved to the cloud Recycle Bin. You can restore it from the OneDrive web interface within 30 days of deletion. Local notebooks can similarly be restored from the Windows Recycle Bin.

How do I remove a notebook from my 'Recent' list without deleting the file?

To remove a notebook from your view without permanently deleting the data, simply close it. Right-click the notebook's name in the OneNote sidebar and select 'Close This Notebook'. It will disappear from your interface but remain safely stored in OneDrive or your hard drive.

Where does OneNote 2016 save its local backup files?

By default, OneNote 2016 saves backup files on your local drive at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneNote\16.0\Backup. Deleting the contents of this folder will clear your offline backups.

Document & File Issues